Thursday’s Seahawks wrap: No QB controversy here

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Matt Hasselbeck lets loose with a pass in Thursday’s practice at the VMAC. (Rod Mar/Seattle Seahawks)

Though his practice repetitions have been far more limited than in previous training camps, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says he’s ready to jump into the new offense Saturday night when Seattle opens its preseason against Tennessee at Qwest Field.

Head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates have rested Hasselbeck — and many veterans — far more than tradition dictates in NFL camps to this point.

During two-a-day practices, Hasselbeck sat out one of the day’s workouts. He didn’t scrimmage on Sunday due to a slight hamstring strain and he’s watched from the sidelines frequently as Charlie Whitehurst has been given numerous opportunities to run the first-team offense.

Don’t think there’s a quarterback controversy, or even question at this point, however.

“We’re always going to compete. That is coach’s message,” Bates said after Thursday’s practice. “But Matt Hasselbeck is our quarterback. He’s had an incredible camp. He’s done some great things in his career and he’s out here competing every day. We’ll see what happens behind him.”

Hasselbeck has half-jokingly said it’s not nearly as fun watching other guys play his position. He noted again Thursday that this camp “almost reminds me back of my first three years (at Green Bay) when I wasn’t getting a lot of snaps.”

But he acknowledged it’s probably a smart approach and he feels as fresh as he ever has at this point in camp, which is exactly what the new staff is looking for with the 34-year-old veteran.

“I think you’ve got to take care of a guy,” Bates said. “This is his 13th season. He’s seen it all. Just the experience of recognizing coverages with linemen running at him, he’s been through that whole process. A lot of what Matt needs right now — and is getting — is film study and mental reps when he’s not taking it.

“He’s really sharp. He’s run every play and seen every coverage. So we’re not really worried about his game experience as much keeping him healthy through 16 weeks. That’s the main goal. The last two years he’s been out and you want your starting quarterback to play 16 games.”

The strategy is two-fold. Not only is Hasselbeck staying fresh, Whitehurst is gaining valuable experience and will see the majority of playing time Saturday.

The danger obviously is Hasselbeck not gaining the needed cohesion with his receivers in camp, but Bates said that’s not a concern.

“During two-a-days he was only taking one, but he’s out there every day now,” Bates said. “He’s not going to miss anything. We’ve still got a month. We’ve got a long time and a lot of walk-throughs and (practice) periods. It’s all going to flow together.”

Deion Branch

Receiver watch: While Deion Branch is often overlooked in the receiving conversation at camp, the veteran made several nice receptions Thursday — including a beautiful deep ball down the left sideline from Hasselbeck.

Branch continues working with the first-unit offense, though he’s missed 10 games over the past two seasons and has raised the ire of fans frustrated by his failure to live up to expectations for a former Super Bowl MVP who cost the franchise a first-round draft pick in trade.

But Carroll continues singing the receiver’s praise.

“I really love what Deion Branch is bringing us,” he said. “He’s got a real style to him that is unique and he’s quick and he can catch everything. He and Matt are really hitting it off well, learning how to work with one another, probably in a more directed fashion than before. We’re really looking at him to do a lot of special things.”

Mike Williams

Bates, the offensive coordinator, was less glowing in his assessment of Mike Williams, who flashed strong early in camp but has been less visible in recent days.

“Mike has had a good camp,” Bates said. “But he can’t be missing practice. You’ve got to be out here on the practice field to get better. He’s just got to find a way. He missed two days (earlier this week).

“He came back today and had a strong day, but for all the guys, we still have a month so we’re not naming any starters or who’s made the team. You’ve got to keep grinding. He’s done a great job, but he has to understand this is a process and he’s still competing. He’s got to compete and we’ll see on Saturday.”

Roster shuffling, part 38: The latest move by GM John Schneider was to bring in former Chicago Bears running back Adrian Peterson, who was thrown immediately into the practice rotation Thursday. You can read about that here.

Peterson figures to play Saturday, according to Carroll, in large part because of the lack of running back depth. That would seem to indicate Leon Washington likely won’t be playing, while Louis Rankin also remains doubtful as he recovers from a sore hamstring.

Carroll also indicated veteran guard Chester Pitts is progressing nicely on the PUP list and “he’s not more than a couple weeks away from really showing something. … He’ll be a real good addition when he comes in.”